Geminids are also notoriously bright, even at times appearing to have some blue, yellow and green coloration, NASA said.

Every year in mid-December, the Earth travels through the debris path of a small object called 3200 Phaethon. Astronomers say 3200 Phaethon is likely an extinct comet due to its elliptical orbit around the sun, though it does not create a distinct cometary tail. Instead, because its orbit is so close to the sun, extreme heat blasts dust into the Geminid stream.

“Of all the debris streams Earth passes through each year, the Geminid shower is the most massive. When we add up the amount of dust in this stream, it outweighs other streams by factors of 5 to 500,” NASA writes.

As with all meteor showers, the darker the skies, the better. For optimal viewing, it’s best to escape the light pollution of major urban areas. An early setting crescent moon this year will help darken the night sky.

The weather is expected to cooperate as well. The National Weather Service is calling for mostly clear skies for the Front Range Sunday night before another weather systems moves into the state Monday afternoon.

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